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Fatman Slim's Falmer Page

We don't want to go into pages and pages on here, so a little light reading and comment is posted. It's our new home we're talking about and we oughta know the score.

SUMMER '10

Drive over Ditchling Beacon or down the Drove from Woodingdean and what vista did you see, when looking toward Sussex University? Go into Stanmer Park, park and walk back from the village. Oh yes, a lovely image forms just like those publicity shots from Public Inquiries all them years ago... The roof was going on coz those two arches were in place and kinda connecting ends, while supporting sides. Yet more settled weather helped in the construction process above a sunny site.

SPRING '10

Yeah, we wuz becoming a right doughnut about it coz from overhead, high flying seagulls could see the stad footprint was forming a proper round shape. Floors were poured and pre-cast units positioned in supporting steel work, to make up stand terracing in west and north structures. Continuing dry weather allowed further concreting, ducting and cabling to also be installed on east and south sides. So, less of a construction site and more a sweet building taking shape. It looked good and prompted many expectations to taste good too.

WINTER '10

You could see it was gonna be a pukka arena coz it was all shaping up nicely. A bloody great big steel arch got pieced together at ground level and kinda lifted into position. And what an erection! The place got bigger by the day and you couldn't miss it when viewed from s-n-e or w, or even in bright-on-white snow. It was deep too. Work pressed on for all types of weather and we'd got a pukka concourse and link to the station and all. Highways work on the A27 by-pass - Stanmer link road junction began.

AUTUMN '09

Martin Perry announced that Seagulls Stad Co Ltd had been handed possession of land that previously was Uni of B'ton premises. Contractors soon flattened 'old' buildings in prep to begin foundations for the west stand. Massive piles were driven for housing base sections of the iconic steel arch. Then the rains came and it all got a tad sticky down village way, on and off site.

SUMMER '09

Good and primarily dry weather allowed groundworks to proceed at an alarming pace. The pitch was levelled so to speak and foundations on the east side 'terraces' were sunk - not the end of the beginning but a start anyway. Then these steels started to take shape of a pukka stand. OMG, it was like watching a stadium being built on time lapse fast forward. Up went the east stand structure and like topsy, just growed. Then it looked quite big when viewed from the road and you could see what it was like to buy off plan.

SPRING '09

Tony Bloom took over for a new generation in the regeneration of life in BHA - but not as we know it!! Apparently he was mega-rich and secured financing this project with about 80M of not so hard earned. In a credit crisis world, he offered an interest-free personal loan in return for becoming chairman. Control freak or what? But at least he is a Brighton fan to boot.
Following a dry period of weather, site groundwork was well on schedule. Also the frequently expounded movement of top soil to pastures near, rather than far solved some other logistical problems. Anybody who had been caught in temporary traffic lites on the Drove would know all about hold-ups. Meanwhile that footprint hole got a lot bigger, wider and deeper and from the A27, appeared almost as a M-way extension, complete with massive tractors and such.

WINTER '09

First week of Feb and it snowed but top soil was shifted and left Village Way on an embankment. B&HCC approved 'housekeeping' planning revisions, marking an official milestone on the long road to Falmer. It remained the icon project for the city in a time of financial crisis, drastic cutbacks and scrapped blueprints on land by sea. Community needs and ideas were finally becoming reality on unitary borders.
In brilliant sunlight, Brighton fans attended an official groundbreaking and opening of site ceremony on 17th December. Fun and laughter after years of blood, sweat, toil and tears for a muddy field that is forever Albion.

AUTUMN '08

The world had turned since days when original planning applications and business plans packaged Falmer below 50 million pounds. Cost had soared by over 10m, taking the budget beyond 60m. Increased steel price and current applicable rules & regs meant Seagulls Stad plc was forced to re-jig paperwork and re-apply to B&HCC for updated permissions. Then a bombshell hit BHA - contractors Buckingham Group couldn't complete before 2011. However wheels were set in motion and although slightly redesigned, the project remained viable.

SUMMER '08

Bit of a marking-time period for fans on holiday but Martin & team-Falmer were working, seemingly burning the midnight oil. Checking, re-checking and finalising plans, drafting and detailing submissions, applications and tenders, plus dealing with contractors, councils, committees and meeting with local residents co-op group was only part of the on-going project! Easy life some would say!!

SPRING '08

A core of Withdean faithful got along to Hove Town Hall at end of Feb for a giant Falmer update presentation, hosted by up-front pair Dick Knight and Martin Perry. Those not currently partaking of fortnightly open-air sport experiences represented only a tiny minority of community stadium devotees attending this dream-on function. Reality might be years away but it was clear to BHA board, including fellow Directors Ray Bloom and Derek Chapman who put in a belated introduction at balcony height, that they have an equally massive PR job on to attract lost generations of blue & white affiliated. We realise the world has turned since that Lego Stand of Goldstone Ground glory days thirty odd years ago but Brighton & Hove flag-wavers need to smarten up their 21st century act in order to grab attention of missing tens of thousands across the south east. It was a tad too in-house, conveniently cosy and contrived, to actually inspire supporters to immediately spread the word regionally. Preaching to converted may fill a basic unitary venue but next time, a pukka promotion pitch rather than ground level team-talk is necessary for theoretically encouraging strangers' bums on seats to gain complete 'house full' satisfaction. See background info at PI1 below.
Apparently there are up to six additional planning applications required to be passed by B&H City Council as part of overall Falmer infrastructure. These permissions include construction of a flyover on the Brighton exit of A27 dual carriageway and an access road built into Sussex University. A huge new footbridge is proposed over the main Lewes rail lines and even creating thoroughfares linking our stadium's footprint 'crater' to an emergency parallel road. We assumed from Perry's optimism that such lodged paperwork be given the official nod automatically and relief for frustrated temporarily housed Brighton fans, with yet more scheduled letters to write, pretty damn quick. B&HCC was to act as authority and sub-contractors for ensuring highways work is more than just permanently in progress and not left continually coned-off to its citizens and visitors. As fans arrive from north, south, east and west via private, public or park & ride transportation, they will be greeted by a Sussex style Wembley arch that looms over the landscape on a compact but truly impressive site. Those Brighton fans who went to Hull in August 2005 know how wonderful this vision can be. Any associated multicoloured rainbow is only available across a backdrop of beautiful South Downs on limited inclement occasions. Incidentally who could forget Peter Taylor rubbing our noses in it when gesticulating at KC stadium superstructure, while realising we'd vehemently been lobbying his east Yorkshire constituency MP and preparing to march on return along a Sussex sea-front for non political but all the same correct community purposes. See PI2 info below.
B&HCC have of course granted Brighton land on which to erect a universal icon, which in appreciation by Mr Knight will be colloquially named 'Dick's Stadium' or as 'victorious' PI1 Falmer residents referred to it, 'The Dicks Out Bowl'. Now that these duck pond devoted have woken to a brand new dawn, they are happy to agree with spreading thousands of tons of excavated chalk on set-aside to south of Village Way. This is infinitely preferable to piling it into a mammoth rampart along the Drove to keep out rampaging travelling support. Conversely new National Park back-packers were flocking to ex-Lewes DC property of tarmac coach and bus drop-off areas adjacent to a widened access road. Contrary to recent reports, an extension of the Channel Tunnel expressway will not impinge on sleepy Sussex, with total exclusion of a super duper hotel complex put up on the AONB. DK although grateful to local authority generosity, will tap into big business for naming rights. Southern Water are almost next door and with extremely high income from their local catchment services, we could feasibly be their very next sponsored community utility.
With the Royal Pavilion seemingly demoted to second most important, beautiful and money making venue within unitary boundaries, true significance of this work and leisure place-to-be should not er, be underestimated. If there are virtually no jobs in close-by east Brighton areas of outer city blight, there will be hundreds to come by two years time. Not only is BHA moving lock, stock and proverbial twin town barrels to Falmer but they intend to employ half the present signing-on list of BN2 job seekers, since Hazel Blears became our very own 'little ray of sunshine'. Both Universities are to get a vested interest in ramped up 'Sport Brighton' by including BHA into scientific study in return for training facilities, medical and injury welfare and teach us how properly to play football to boot. Should Falmer High School become incorporated as a City Academy then further ranges of educational, vocational and social schemes and programmes for upcoming generations of fans can result. There is more but you'd only nod off, failing appended visual images, 3DCGI or pop-up adverts for er, pop concerts.

WINTER '08

Martin Perry works full time on Falmer, while Ken Brown does the biz for er, all other biz. Tenders go out and a shortlist of three emerges, for portfolio on how to build it for 50 million. Big club or what?

AUTUMN '07

Paperwork is sorted with all involved parties - as if there hasn't been enough already!
Dick & Martin present Falmer for all team members with BHA certificates in appreciation of all their fantastic efforts.
Deadline passes for appeals to ground-breaking SoS decision. Well it will be when that giant JCB turns up on site!!
Falmer Parish Council and other assorted Southdowns associated hangers-on concede defeat. They wasted a lot of peoples time and money trying to break B&HCC and BHAFC spirit, resolve and will to fight on against a process of manipulating old values of previous green backlash. Hey, we do siege mentality better than most and look, we're gonna neutralise our carbon footprint with the best of 'em.

YES! 24 July 2007

SUMMER '07

Some people are on the Falmer site, they think it's all over... it just might be now!!
Hazel Blears delivers some news - it's YES to Falmer.
Gordon Brown becomes PM - more delay.
A report is leaked to show National Park limit as outside Falmer site! CPRE slam government for failure to secure borders in 'good time'. Bloody cheek!! They really have got a nerve and are self-protected kings of rural hypocrisy. Talk about sound bite pollution!
Seagulls party candidates scored a shock against LDC with good numbers of votes gained in 4 wards at local elections. Lib-Dems are running scared and know their time is up delaying a Brighton chalk slope recount.

SPRING '07

Fans walk from centre to Sheepcote and take, well like forever. It was to disprove anti's theory of sustainable super supporters able to reach 10 mph no sweat!!
CPRE hate footy fans and us specially at top of their hit list. What's new?
LDC concede defeat on 1st of this month but we say, 'see you in court' because we'd like to make fools of 'em.
Falmer Parish Council got enough 'elite' into one room to make a proper quorum, to say Moulsecoombe residents could not make the grade working at our new stadium. Surely that's un-neighbourly and probably illegal antisocial nimbyism to boot.
University students voted to oppose stadium plans - as if we gave a flying Seagull's shite for 'em!!
Lewes DC rubbished Albion winning a community club of the year award in their communications to er, SoS communities and local affairs department - well!! Dick Knight hit back in a Soccer Night interview, chewed nails and spit rust. He was fighting mad!
A Government spokes-person reported a decision on Falmer would be forthcoming from the Communities Ministry by 9 July 2007 as a deadline. Ten Years since 'moving' to Gillingham!

CALENDAR

Oct '06 - LDC call off possible High Court battle prior to case date and intend to go with Sec of State deliberation.
Nov '05 - LDC challenge Prescott's written statements as to details of classifying area around site.
Oct '05 - Prescott says go ahead.
Feb '05 - PI2 to consider alternative sites.
Jul '04 - PI1 in favour of anti's but Prescott offers lifeline to pro-stad alliance.
Aug '02 - application called in for PIo resolve issues.
Jun '02 - B&HCC vote 11 to 1 for Falmer.
Aug '00 - Falmer in new city local plan.
May '99 - big city public vote goes in favour of Falmer.
Mar '98 - BHA do Sussex locality surveys and come up with Falmer.

Fatman Slims

BUILD - Blueprint program

SUMMER '10
It might be pre-season but Martin wasn't exactly on extended holiday. There was still much work to do... Then news broke that naming rights had been granted to American Express, thus becoming their local Community Stadium. And perhaps BHA is conveniently affiliated to a global brand - that'll do nicely! Apparently, Amex reached out from its B&H City, Edward Street Euro HQ and agreed to more than a meeting of financial minds. But to yer died-in-UK-political-will Brighton fans, it will always be Falmer. From a prolonged Sussex borderland battle, justice was seen to be done; so by any other name, another new stadium in England should smell as sweet. See 28/10/05 below.
SPRING '10
With the stadium becoming more of a tangible reality, rather than mere cgi glossy brochures, the sales team offered punters a chance to secure their place for 2011. The select 1901 club was introduced for providing premium seating and hospitality. Albion shirt sponsors It First, were no1 in line to purchase an executive box and those other 13 sold out too, in less time than it took to put up the stad roof. Even with the place as a shell, it was apparent that by strict design and build standards, quality and finish were paramount to this mega project. See below, 'the full story'.
Final details of implementing National Park status in East Sussex are confirmed. With or without an official classification, the Downs above Falmer are still an area of outstanding natural beauty. See below, 'the beginning'.
WINTER '10
MP had so much paperwork to deal with, he hardly had time for Xmas, New Year or project managing Tony Bloom's wish list for the brand new decade. Good job Buckingham Group were up to speed. Meanwhile, Mr J Catt Esq was winding 'champain' Perry up re Withdean's wind-down. He only wanted to go to the EU court of human rights to appeal. He'd cost BHCC tax payers a pretty penny too, what with PI1 & PI2 etc and all. We almost coulda funded buying Withdean for footy training grounds. Plus renting it out to other sports like athletics. We had squatters rights there after all is said and done. It could never be regarded as strictly residential - well, not since Y2k became 2010. You know, that infamous W'dean era.
AUTUMN '09
Contractors had really kicked on during a dry late summer in warm conditions. Paperwork was next exchanged, on passing the remaining part of the full site into Stad company possession. Mr Perry project managed and he was ticking all the right boxes to date. His intention was for a vision to become reality and turn blueprints into blue and white accomodation.
SUMMER '09
Buckingham were turning the place into a palace and following Perry's instructions to the letter. Amendments to overall stadium site projects had to be made in light of the recession etc - but not to compromise the mission statement. Basically it was gonna be built, on budget, on time and no corners cut. Was it significant that the coach park was tarmac'd first? Attention to detail or what? The place was becoming a second village but with a bleeding great steel construction alongside.
SPRING '09
Tony Bloom got his cheque-book out big time. In underwriting completion of our Southdowns icon, he became a financier of the first order and could probably run a bank but for personal tax loopholes - allegedly. Anyway, all he wanted for securing our 93M pound future, was to be chairman and so Dick Knight retired upstairs as Mr President. Bloom's stake with at least 75% of the club in his document pocket, sent a customary signal to B&HCC and other interested parties - who breathed a taxing sigh of relief in appreciating a substantial capital gain.
WINTER '09
At beginning of Feb, B&HCC approved an application to alter some aspects in line with previous amendments as below. In broad terms this project was now up and running big-time and represented a major contribution to development in the city. 120M pound outlay would provide the stad, an academy, records office, college campus and university renovations. Throw in road and rail infrastructure improvements and we've a huge community facility coming on stream in the next few years.
In Nov pre-excavation work involved archaeology on the site and once go-ahead got given, some heavy earth movers also turned up. There were a few words spoken at an official opening of 17/12/08, then right down to business on the Downs a little left of B'ton Uni.
AUTUMN '08
The baloon went up higher than the proposed trussed roof arch when revised design details were announced. Not only that, completion was put back to 2011. New applications went before B&HCC due to scheduled need for roadworks, apart from enforced changes from building regs etc. A contractor was selected to undertake earthworks, create foundations and build and finish structures. Timescales were extended overall but a start date was diaried for December to keep to our club's initial programme. The site was now in possession of BHA but leased from B&HCC. Excavation was top of the stad's list of things to do, though integral road widening and earth moving would kick-off this process. It amounted to a 60 million pound project that was sure to expand and some, even with controlled delays. BHA would monitor every event and manage all aspects of a giant community facility. The club intended liaison with a gamut of diverse organisations concerned, to ensure a phased work in progress, coming on stream and successful launch.

YES! 24 July 2007

For Brighton fans, there was an over-riding feeling that the goal of elevating the only Football League Club in vast catchment areas of Sussex and beyond was at least achievable. As far back as many can remember a new ground was spoken about, with belief one day it would actually happen. The twin towns of Brighton & Hove then became a city and a philosophy of expecting those things that are included in such status, finally gave support to the Albion. Historically it was the University that provided a training ground and helped with facilities in a frustrating era starting well over three decades ago. Mike Bamber, our charismatic Chairman of the seventies and eighties said, 'you name it, it has happened at Brighton'. He could not look into a bleak future but wanted to put BHA on an equal footing with others in a top flight. That same desire is very prevalent today, if not more so as civic authorities are now behind these noble aspirations. We stood together (at a few away games anyway) awaiting a 'final' decision, knowing in principle a new stadium was acceptable on a site within B&H boundaries - which is where we want it to be Albion's home. Entrenched stalemate that strangled broader Falmer discussion cannot again be polarised, as HM Government eventually reached its definitive conclusion. There somehow has to be a meeting of minds, that will show all previous participants can accept a 'collective' decision without dissent. This through realisation, will actually be of benefit. From then, we progress to an elevated quality of life for all those in the immediate area - where emphasis is in balancing and maintaining a new order for a 21st century Sussex.

SUMMER '07
Gordon Brown becomes PM - more delay.
A report is leaked to show National Park limit as outside Falmer site! CPRE slam government for failure to secure borders in 'good time'.
Seagulls Party candidates stand in LDC wards.
SPRING '07
Fans walk from centre to Sheepcote and take well over time stated by opponents.
LDC concede defeat on extending opposition.
Falmer Parish Council say Moulsecoombe residents could not make the grade working at our new stadium.
University students voted to oppose stadium plans.
Lewes DC rubbished Albion winning a community club of the year award in their communications to SoS communities and local affairs department.
WINTER '07
Deadline for submissions to SoS Ruth Kelly passed before end of the month. LDC inter-nets an og with 'sexed up' dossier on their web site. They hit on Sheepcote Valley as their no.1 and sited no particular probs for transport or travel. Lewes District Council were up to their old procrastination tricks, usurping planning rules & regs by demanding an extra extension to prep time, in order to revamp their anti portfolio. They want some sort of super consultant involved.
Dick Knight and Martin Perry met with Lewes MP Norman Baker to clear the air on certain issues and have frank and open discussions. Baker said, 'it looks as if we may thankfully, at last be entering the final straight'. The formerly hostile LDC henchman is still strongly opposed to BHA at Falmer. In accepting that a resolving of Lib-Dems delaying tactics is one step further down a shared Village Way, BHA extended the hand of community friendship by making Baker see what good work is done on our side of the border. He was very impressed and will no doubt see the light in time.

PRESCOTT and an official flaw

On the morning of 28 October 2005, Brightonfans.com were one of the very first to announce 'Yes' - a verdict then just released by the ODPM, that upheld Falmer as the number one site for a community stadium. The case for Falmer hung in the balance after a first Public Inquiry. An apathetic anti lobby, presented as a pro-environment and conservation of ecology alliance, held sway with initial intractable Inspectors (PI1). In the second instant (PI2), the anti alliance had to prove conclusively a viable alternative was forthcoming. Whereas in other localities a stadium would routinely be built at city limits, part of Brighton's problem was availability of land encompassed at the foot of surrounding South Downs. Further, an error in that paperwork actually granting planning permission left a loophole opponents could effectively exploit by seeking a Judicial Review.
Brighton & Hove Albion may have lost three consecutive League 1 fixtures by OCTOBER '06 but has critically won a point of conjecture in an ongoing out-of-court battle of Falmer with Lewes District Council. This undemocratic body guessed they could prolong legal processes as much as possible but were out manoeuvred by the FC, who instigated a preliminary hearing (4/10/06) to circumvent formal High Court action. LDC realised the whistle was about to blow at the 90th minute for extra time and substituted their future protracted tactics, reverting to plan A. The government solicitor had previously offered matters be referred to Communities Minister Ruth Kelly, for inspection and consultation. This would include due consideration of all such questions LDC raised by way of challenge. Therefore a conclusive situation BHA and B&H city council actively encouraged, was available again as a method of categorically reaching an incontrovertible decision.
The gist of Lewes DC's ongoing argument concerned the associated AONB. In a strange twist of fate, BHAFC applied first to B&HCC for planning permission within Unitary boundaries at Village Way. Clearly of necessity, adjacent land for an immediate transport 'drop-off' area was required, still to the south of the Droveway but fell into LDC's non-rural patch - although seemingly they viewed it as an act of heinous bureaucratic provocation. This 'parcel' has subsequently been grabbed by all those organisations the sub-county authority purport to represent like CPRE, to be passed around as 'prime downland' on a sensitive chalk slope. So a perceived audacious application to tarmac right up to a natural roadside boundary, was actually equally valid because proposed National Park limits were not originally established but open to public consultations. However, common sense arguments did not prevail and a myriad of minor groups like the Society of Sussex Downsmen, fought to register remote ploughed up 'set-aside' as an integral field of regional recreational importance. Let's face it, there would be a bloody good carpark ready for expected out of county tourists, wishing to partake of a new NP promoted 'perfect' landscape. And remember, there would anyhow be an all year right of access to popular heritage in 'unspoilt countryside', as the ever trampled South Downs Way becomes some sort of back packers or mass ramblers' super highway to Brighton - not just a little busy beauty spot on alternate autumn/winter Saturday afternoons. Slight infiltration of the AONB didn't really usurp the hold LDC attempted to justify but they can't stay elected ad infinitum and eventually, power exerted by those National Park civil administrators will make rescinding outdated byelaws the only true vocation of small town 'representatives'.

PI2 decision of 28/10/05

How we broke the news on Brightonfans -
A day that can be book-marked in annals of Brighton & Hove Albion history, legend and folklore. Following an interminable wait since a second Public Inquiry concluded. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has just announced a YES verdict to uphold arguments for Falmer as the no.1 site for a community stadium. That decision vindicates BHA and B&H City Council's application and planning consent all along, as the preferred option and optimum location. It was the proper outcome and a right and just decision.
All possible sites were subject to ODPM selection parameters and sequential testing. AONB, National Park and other boundary issues were not allowed to 'muddy the field' as before. The chosen example of Falmer was always a strong one to try and defeat. Opponents were hard put to counter its plus points and had to accept inevitability of losing their challenge. Given a site would be decided, on evidence similarly weighed up, it should duly be accepted and Falmer was clearly the best option.
A way forward would be to consider job creation, regeneration and area links with education and transport to those of impact on other close populations. Perhaps talk with local residents, 'green groups' and assorted interested parties could be scheduled to allay fears and work out problems. There is still an issue with the proposed National Park that officially put it into a tourist category and a potential threat to those in or on its borders. This is as complex an issue as declining development for an adjacent stadium. When building is approved, both sides can help one another through with a supposed, 'new project' to manage.
That there are also two Universities in proximity cannot go unnoticed. A study, educational, sports and medical initiative can be undertaken. A major learning centre for the wider community will also be available. Policies targeting employment and critically, unemployment can be implemented too, as a result of expanding those benefits a community stadium will bring to our city.

THE FULL STORY - opening chapters

BRIGHTON & HOVE COMMUNITY STADIUM
Perhaps it is pertinent to peruse the factual background to yet another Falmer decision.

FUNDAMENTAL Factors First: subject to planning permission guidelines.
Transport
+ transportation impact assessment.
+ highways issues, including sustainable modes.
+ stadium management, wrt to on/off site procedures.
Locality
+ immediate community needs and benefits.
+ employment aspects.
+ social and schools programs etc.
Environment
+ landscape, conservation and ecology.
+ noise & lighting.
+ footprint, landscaping measures.

IMPORTANT initial issues: with other national classifications.
Complexities of the debate were compounded not only by rules and regs that applied such as above PPGs but also in circumstances revealed on study of an alternative proposals map. Where as in other situations a stadium would routinely be built at city limits (Stoke, Derby, Reading etc) part of the problem is, available land forever encompassed at the foot of surrounding South Downs. It applies especially at Falmer but also to some extent at Sheepcote Valley, Waterhall and Toads Hall valley. Indeed add to the debate equations including AONB & NP, SSI, SSSI and a myriad of other classifications and permissions are necessarily refused. Factor in conservation around sensitive chalk slopes and we are treading on open downland, covering potentially heavy ground.
AONB - area of outstanding natural beauty . NP - National Park . SSI - Site of Scientific Interest . SSSI - Site of Special Scientific Interest.

PERTINENT points perused: categories for considerations.
In arguing a case against Falmer, there has to be a better alternative derived, that test key points set out for the stadium footprint at Village Way.
Location - availability, accessability and sequential possibility.
Sighting - green/brown field, urban/semi-rural/rural/mixed.
Transport - road/rail links, car/coach parking, park & ride.
Design - optimum 'fitting in' of stadium with surroundings.
Funding - land purchase, highway works, leases, permissions.
Development - possible associated commercial or business/retail/leisure.
Employment - construction/operation, Regeneration Areas, local economy
Neighbours - lighting/noise, stewarding/policing, litter, behaviour.
Opportunities - sporting/educational needs. Further education, medical and conference facilities.

IN BRIEF - original case for Falmer (at PI1)
BHA and B&H City Council lodged a strong case and appeared to have done their homework concerning planning merits. Premise for development on the edge of Falmer and AONB (NP) boundaries did not contradict with guidelines but dovetailed with salient points. Impact on a landscape at an urban fringe, struck a balance between conservation and local economic needs. Detail was of course more extensive, however the scope of PPG7 had been fully addressed. In defining the project under sports stadia, transport, noise and management issues PPG17, 13 & 6 were applied. Volumes of evidence were presented as to site selection, access to sustainable and public transport and environmental sensititvity. PPG15 with its references to various relationships for listed buildings, character and nature, might have been more contentious. Again proposals were comprehensively argued to have met all considerations, so not to be of detriment. The application given final approval, will also fulfil other conditions imposed by B&HCC and possible caveats issued via the overseeing Government Minister.

BEGINNING, middle and an end

EARLY History - pre Public Inquiries
Our opponents in the NIMBY and other factions of a burgeoning Anti-Alliance (A-A), long voiced grievances for the recognition of alternative sites. These had actually been much on a draft play-list from outset and were rightly subject to initial sequential testing. Remember we are talking about days long before a BHA homecoming and when B&H were separate towns! It was from 1998 that drafts of Borough Local Plans incorporated a public need for a stadium. Falmer was 'tested and thus became the chosen site after lengthy deliberations and a referendum in 1999. In fact an enlightened University of Brighton first developed a strategy for sport within this token area. Albion were busily involved returning to Sussex and seemingly could be excused not prioritising Town & Country (1990) Planning Acts. All the same they soon became a proactive partner and Applicant, to gain permission for a B&H Policy to develop a selective candidiate site.
With Albion housed at Withdean, our ex-McAlpine director now FCCE, headed a team to produce the Falmer application. It was estimated six million pounds alone would be necessary just to establish infrastructure. An optimistic three years from pen to trowel was allocated for project completion. The significant year 2000 was intended to launch a package plus presentations to the new City Council and various interested parties. Further consultations would be required before submission into the revised Local Plan. BHA then encountered their devious rivals and were shocked by leaking of the Vantagepoint Report, which spread mis-information against us. A tactic A-A PR have used frequently and fraudulently in many years since, up to present day. Alternative sites were always considered and analysed but general bulk of paperwork was steered toward and focussed on land at city limits. In 2001 amendments to said Local Plan were published and a Public Inquiry forecast. A-A assembled a portfolio as battle lines were scraped across a brown field at the foot of a chalk slope. Due process also involved BHA dealing with the Uni's of Sussex and Brighton as 'landowners'. Indeed this complex and intricate arrangement delayed a draft scheme receiving adoption formally, beyond outline principles. So there appears to be extra mitigating circumstances to add to an already terribly slow procedure. As we all know by now, that was just the start of years of endurance!

INTERIM - Alternative Sites (at PI2)
If we look at various objections to Falmer, these could apply to different places and almost a reversal of roles was applicable at the second Public Inquiry. Original objectors were no longer defending as local authority, stand-offish neighbours or area custodians. It was incumbent on the A-A think-tank to prove such an alternative site more suitable. Incidentally those 'north of the border' antagonists pulled in additional Rule 6 'experts' and fringe bodies from beyond outer limits! A fundamental moan and groan was against transport interchange and highway matters. Counsel for the no-go lobby, asserted a stadium of such scale and travel demand should be near town centres and major public transport infrastructure. Their scepticism for Falmer, where sustainable modes are deliverable, was suspect for pin-pointing such very viable capabilities elsewhere.
In assessing a better spot for a stadium, certain criteria must apply. '...namely, one which would not have the same planning objections or would not have them to the same effect'. So it became a sort of flip side scenario to the B&HCC (business land parcel) versus Lewes District Council (AONB) prolonged border war. New conventions allowed a superior battlefield to be chosen. A glance at the short-list indicates that a comparison with our first choice gives a tick box deficit straight away. Inferiority of these individual locations does not qualify testing for secondary costs, safety and management schemes, or environmental and visual impacts.
Brighton Station - site under construction . Shoreham Harbour - very expensive road reconstructions required via Government sanction . Hove Greyhounds - too small in residential district . Withdean - substantial makeover to C21 dictates . Sheepcote Valley - quantum leap to be viable . Toads Hall Valley - private area, flatters to deceive . Waterhall - precedent for location and environment type.

CONCLUSION
Once upon a time, Brighton fans wanted to build a new stadium. First the powers that be said 'no, try again'. Time passed slowly. Then they said 'yes but try again anyway'. More time passed very slowly. Yet again, although so much later, they finally said, 'oh, ok go on then, so sorry about all those hold ups!'

Fatman Slims